% DEGENERATE  TYPES 


Scapular  and  Pelvic  Arches 

IN  THE  LACERTIL1A. 


BY 

E.  D.  COPE. 


Reprinted  from  Journal  of  Morphology,  Vol.  VII.,  No 


BOSTON  : 

GINN  & COMPANY. 
1892. 


ON  DEGENERATE  TYPES 


OF 

Scapular  and  Pelvic  Arches 


IN  THE  LACERT1LIA. 


BY 

E.  D.  COPE. 


Reprinted  from  Journal  of  Morphology,  Vol.  VIE,  No.  2. 


BOSTON  : 

GINN  & COMPANY. 
1892. 


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ON  DEGENERATE  TYPES  OF  SCAPULAR  AND 
PELVIC  ARCHES  IN  THE  LACERTILIA. 


E.  D.  COPE.1 

Paleontology  has  rendered  it  possible  to  assert  that  the  rudi- 
mental  condition  and  absence  of  limbs  observed  in  many  genera 
of  Lacertilia  are  a result  of  retrogressive  evolution  or  degen- 
eracy.2 These  degenerate  conditions  are  seen  in  genera  of  the 
superfamilies  Diploglossa,  Leptoglossa,  Annielloidea,  and  Am- 
phisbaenia.  In  the  remaining  six  superfamilies  such  conditions 
have  not  been  observed,  except  in  such  cases  as  Sitana  (Agami- 
dae),  where  a single  digit  is  absent  from  the  posterior  foot. 
Certain  questions  respecting  the  origin  of  the  degenerate  forms 
naturally  arise.  One  of  these  is,  Is  the  manner  of  degeneracy 
in  each  superfamily  or  family  characteristic  of  it,  and  different 
from  that  obtaining  in  other  families  ? Secondly,  What  is  the 
order  of  degeneracy  ? what  parts  disappear  first  and  which  are 
longest  persistent  ? Thirdly,  Can  any  relation  between  the 
manner  of  degeneracy  and  the  life  history  of  the  genus  be 
traced  ? The  following  investigation  was  undertaken  with  the 
object  of  throwing  light,  if  possible,  on  these  points.  The 
material  at  my  disposal  has  not  been  sufficient  to  enable 
me  to  answer  any  of  these  questions  in  a final  way,  but  some 
information  has  been  gained  which  will  aid  in  future  research. 
Fifteen  species  have  been  examined,  six  of  which  belong  to  the 
Diploglossa,  five  to  the  Leptoglossa,  one  to  the  Annielloidea, 
and  three  to  the  Amphisbaenoidea.  All  of  the  families  known 
to  possess  degenerate  types  are  represented,  excepting  the 
Gerrhosauridae  and  the  Dibamidae,  of  which  the  former  has  but 
five  genera,  two  of  which  are  degenerate,  and  the  latter  but  one 
genus.  Thus  a general  view  of  the  subject  has  been  obtained. 
Of  these  species  eight  are  described  for  the  first  time ; viz. 
two  Diploglossa,  four  Leptoglossa,  one  Annielloidea,  and  two 

1 Read  before  the  U.  S.  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  November  io,  1891. 

2 Origin  of  the  Fittest , 1887,  p.  337. 

223 


50124 


224 


COPE. 


[VOL.  VII. 


Amphisbaenoidea.  Additions  to  and  corrections  of  descriptions 
already  given  of  some  of  the  other  species  are  also  made. 

The  following  table  represents  the  digital  characters  and  dis- 
tribution of  the  known  genera  of  Lacertilia  with  defective  limbs 


Diploglossa 

Lepto 

Pygopodidse 

Zonuridae 

Anguidae 

Teidae 

Gerrhosauridae 

I.  Limbs,  two  pair 
a.  Digits  5-4 

Tejus 

b.  Digits  4-5 

Tretioscineus 

Micrablepharus 

Gymopthalmus 

c.  Digits  4-4 

Sauresia 

Scolecosaurus 

Saurophis 

d.  Digits  4-3 

e.  Digits  3-4 

/.  Digits  3-3 

Microdactylus 

g.  Digits  3-2 

Herpetochalcis 

h.  Digits  2-4 

t.  Digits  2-3 

j.  Digits  2-2 

k.  One  or  both 
monodactyle 

Chamaesaura 

Panolopus 

Cophias 

Ophiognomon 

Caetia 

II.  Fore  limbs  only 

Propus  (digits  0) 

III.  Hind  limbs  only 

Pygopus 

Cryptodelma 

Delma 

Pletholax 

Aprasia 

Lialis 

Mancus 

Pseudopus 

Opheodes 

Hyalosaurus 

IV.  No  limbs 

Opheosaurus 

Dopasia 

Anguis 

No.  2.] 


SCAPULAR  AND  PELVIC  ARCHES . 


225 


and  feet.  From  this  it  is  evident  that  the  greater  number 
belong  to  the  Leptogloss  family  of  the  Scincidae,  whose  habitat 
is  the  rocky  or  sandy  desert  regions  of  Africa,  Western  Asia, 
and  Australia. 


GLOSSA 

Anniel- 

LOIDEA 

Annulate 

Scincidae 

Acontiidae 

Dibamidae 

Anelytropidae 

Anniellidae 

Hagria 

Heteropus 

Ristella 

Menetia 

Gongyloseps 

Chiamela 

Rhinoscineus 

Tetradactylus 

Miculia 

Chalcidoseps 

Blepharactisis 

Sphenops 

Zygnopsis 

Allodactylus 

Tridentulus 

Chalcides 

Hemiergis 

Siaphus 

Phaneropis 

Sepomorphus 

Sphenoscineus 

Sepsina 

Nessia 

Hemipodium 

Anisoterma 

Lerista 

Eumecia 

Heteromeles 

Dimeropus 

Chelomeles 

Brachystopus 

Oncopus 

Brachymeles 

Anomalopus 

Coloscincus 

Furcillus 

Dicloniscus 

Evesia 

Chirotes  (digits  4) 

Ollochirus 

Dumerlia 

Scelotes 

Soridia 

Podoclonium 

Dibamus 

Ophioscincus 

Herpetosaura 

Sepophis 

Herpetoseps 

Opheomorus 

Acontias 

Typhlacontias 

Anelytropsis 

Feylmia 

Typhlosaurus 

Anniella 

Amphisbaena 

Rhineura 

Lepidosternum 

Trogonophidae 

226 


COPE. 


[VOL.  VII. 


In  the  following  pages  descriptions  of  the  scapular  and  pelvic 
arches  of  the  types  referred  to  are  given. 

DIPLOGLOSSA. 

Zonurim:. 

Mancus  macrolepis  Cope,  from  Natal.  PL  XIII,  Fig.  i. 
Not  previously  examined.  Scapular  and  pelvic  arches  both  pres- 
ent. Anterior  limbs,  none ; posterior  limb,  an  externally  undivided 
rudiment.  Scapular  arch.  All  the  elements  present.  Sternum 
supporting  three  haemal  ribs  on  each  side,  deeply  emarginate  so 
as  to  be  horseshoe-shaped,  with  a short  posterior  prolongation  ; 
each  branch  cartilaginous  anteriorly.  Suprascapula  cartilagi- 
nous. Scapula  and  coracoid  confluent,  osseous  ; procoracoid  car- 
tilage. Interclavicle  cruciform,  with  long  posterior  axis.  Pelvic 
arch.  All  the  elements  present,  but  small  and  slender.  Ilium 
attached  to  the  distally  confluent  diapophyses  of  two  vertebrae. 
Pubes  slender,  in  contact  anteriorly.  Ischia  directed  anteriorly, 
not  forming  a symphysis,  but  separated  by  a median  osseous 
element,  which,  following  Baur,1  I call  the  hypogastroid  bone 
(Fig.  i,  c,  hg).  This  is  produced  anteriorly  as  a cartilage,  which 
joins  the  pubes,  and  posteriorly  as  a median  simple  cartilagi- 
nous rod.  Posterior  limb.  This  is  about  as  long  as  the  pubis 
and  half  the  ilium.  It  consists  of  a femur,  distinct  but  closely 
apposed  tibia  and  fibula,  about  three-fifths  the  length  of  the 
femur,  and  a simple  conical  tarsal. 

Pygopodim:. 

Pygopus  lepidopus  Lacep.  PI.  XIII,  Fig.  3.  Already  de- 
scribed in  part  by  Heusinger,2  Cuvier,3  M filler,4  and  Fiirbringer.5 
From  Australia. 

Scapular  and  pelvic  arches  present ; no  anterior,  and  ru di- 
mental posterior  limbs.  Scapular  arch.  Elements  present 
except  interclavicle.  Sternum,  a small  longitudinally  oval  car- 

1 American  Journal  of  Morphology , IV,  1891,  p.  345;  where  he  names  the  epi- 
gastroid,  mesogastroid,  and  hypogastroid  cartilages  of  the  Testudinata. 

2 Zeitsckr.  fur  Organ.  Physik .,  Ill,  h.  5,  p.  489. 

8 Regne  Animal. 

4 Tiedemann  u.  Treviranus  Zeitschr. f.  Physiologic , IV,  1831,  p.  227. 

5 Die  Knochen  u.  Muskeln  der  Schlangenahnlichen  Saurier , Leipsic,  1870. 


No.  2.] 


SCAPULAR  AND  PELVIC  ARCHES. 


227 


tilage  in  contact  with  coracoid  cartilages  only ; supporting  two 
haemal  ribs  at  its  posterior  extremity.  Clavicles  long,  slender, 
extended  well  anteriorly,  simple  and  in  contact  distally.  Cora- 
coid, procoracoid,  and  scapula,  osseous,  confluent.  Coracoid 
cartilage  not  reaching  procoracoid.  Pelvic  arch.  Ilium  elon- 
gate, proximal  half  horizontal,  parallel  with  three  vertebrae ; 
distal  portion  decurved  and  confluent  with  pubis  and  ischium. 
Latter  elements  both  rudimental,  widely  separated  on  the  me- 
dian line.  Hypogastroid  cartilage  represented  by  a slender 
rod  extending  posteriorly  on  each  side  from  the  position  of  the 
acetabulum.  Perhaps  these  cartilages  represent  the  ischia,  but 
they  are  possibly  present  with  ischia  in  Opheodes,  q.v.  Poste- 
rior limb.  This  consists  of  femur,  tibia  and  fibula,  and  four 
metatarsals,  all  enclosed  in  a common  integument.  It  is  about 
as  long  as  the  ilium. 

My  observations  on  this  genus  agree  with  those  of  F iirbringer. 

Anguid^e. 

Opheodes  striatus  Spix.  PI.  XIII,  Fig.  2.  Partially  de- 
scribed by  Miiller,  l.c.,  imperfectly  figured  by  Dumeril  and 
Bibron,1  and  well  described  and  figured  by  Fiirbringer.2  South 
America. 

Scapular  and  pelvic  arches  present ; no  anterior  limbs ; pos- 
terior limbs  present,  rudimental. 

Scapular  arch.  All  the  elements  present ; clavicles  well  devel- 
oped ; distally  simple.  Interclavicle  approximated  to  them, 
anchor-shaped,  with  very  short  posterior  axis,  which  is  widely 
separated  from  the  sternum.  Scapula,  coracoid,  and  procoracoid, 
osseous,  confluent ; no  coracoid  cartilage.  Procoracoid  cartilage 
a slender  rod,  wedged  between  the  interclavicle  and  the  clavicle. 
Sternum  subtriangular,  with  shallow  anterior  notch,  supporting 
two  haemal  ribs  on  each  side.  Pelvic  arch.  All  the  elements 
present,  the  pubis  and  ischium  not  in  contact  on  the  median  line. 
Ilium  articulating  below  its  middle  with  the  confluent  diapophyses 
of  two  vertebrae.  Pubis  about  as  long  as  ilium,  the  distal  half  rod- 
like, and  separated  from  its  fellow  by  a space  equal  to  its  length. 
It  terminates  in  a short  cartilaginous  rod,  which  is  directed  for- 

1 Erpetologie  Generate , Atlas,  1854,  PI.  VII,  Figs.  3-7. 

2 l.c.,  pp.  1 1 and  38. 


228 


COPE. 


[VOL.  VII. 


wards  (?  epigastroid  cartilage).  The  ischium  is  transverse  in 
position,  and  somewhat  expanded  distally,  sending  forward  a 
membranous  sheet  to  the  pubis.  Posteriorly  it  gives  origin  to 
a cartilaginous  rod  (hypogastroid)  which  speedily  joins  its  fellow, 
and  continues  with  it  as  a double  median  cartilage,  terminating 
acutely.  This  cartilage  resembles  that  already  described  in 
Pygopus,  where,  however,  the  two  do  not  meet  on  the  middle 
line.  Posterior  limb.  This  is  a little  longer  than  the  ilium.  It 
consists  of  femur,  tibia  and  fibula  about  two-thirds  as  long ; and 
tarsal  and  metatarsal  elements,  all  closely  adherent.  The  former 
are  three  in  number,  and  the  latter  two. 

Observations.  In  the  figure  by  Dum^ril  and  Bibron  of  the 
scapular  arch,  the  procoracoid  is  omitted.  The  pelvis  has  been 
drawn  from  a dried  specimen  where  the  inferior  arches  have 
been  divided  and  the  lateral  elements  widely  separated.  The 
cartilages  are  not  represented. 

Ophisaurus  ventralis  L.  PI.  XIII,  Fig.  4.  Described  by 
Muller,  l.c.y  Dumeril  and  Bibron,1  Cope2  (scapular  arch  in  part), 
Fiirbringer3  and  Shufeldt.4  Southern  parts  of  North  America 
east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

Scapular  and  pelvic  arches  present ; no  anterior  limbs ; pos- 
terior represented  by  a minute  rudiment,  which  is  not  visible 
externally. 

Scapular  arch.  All  the  elements  present,  but  more  or  less 
rudimental.  Clavicles  well  developed,  simple,  and  nearly  meet- 
ing distally.  Scapula  cartilaginous,  coracoid  osseous,  with  a large 
cartilage  which  is  produced  anteriorly  and  is  continuous  with 
the  small  cartilaginous  procoracoid.  Interclavicle  posterior  to 
the  coracoid  cartilages  and  overlapping  the  anterior  border  of  the 
sternum  ; its  anterior  limb  very  short,  the  posterior  still  shorter ; 
sternum  transverse,  subcrescentic,  cartilaginous,  not  supporting 
any  ribs. 

Pelvic  arch.  Ilium  short,  proximally  in  contact  with  a single 
vertebra,  distally  confluent  with  the  rudimental  pubis  and 
ischium,  which  form  together  an  oval  plate,  entirely  lateral  in 
position. 

1 Erp.  Gen.,  Atlas,  VII,  Figs.  5-9. 

2 Proceed.  Acad.,  Phila.,  1864,  p.  228. 

3 l.c.,  pp.  14,  43,  PI.  I,  Fig.  8 ; PI.  Ill,  Fig.  36. 

4 Proceed.  U.  S.  National  Museum,  1882,  p.  397. 


No.  2.] 


SCAPULAR  AND  PELVIC  ARCHES. 


229 


Posterior  limb.  This  is  an  undivided,  short  rod  of  cartilage, 
which  is  loosely  articulated  to  the  posterior  concavity  of  the 
pelvic  element,  thus  marking  the  position  of  the  acetabulum. 

Observations.  Muller  (l.c.,  227)  erroneously  states  that  the 
sternum  is  wanting  in  this  genus.  The  figure  of  the  scapular 
arch  given  by  Dumdril  and  Bibron  is  very  defective  in  propor- 
tions. The  posterior  limb  rudiment  is  not  shown  in  the  pelvic 
arch.  This  is  figured  by  Schufeldt,  but  he  omits  the  interclavicle 
from  the  scapular  arch,  as  he  does  also  from  that  of  Gerrhonotus 
multicarinatus  ( l.c .,  Figs.  4 and  5).  The  pelvic  elements  and  limb 
are  well  figured  by  Muller  (l.c.,  PL  XIX,  Fig.  3).  Fiirbringer’s 
description  is  good,  but  he  overlooks  the  rudimental  femur. 

Pseudopus  apus  Pallas.  Not  examined  by  me,  but  described 
by  Heusinger,  Muller  (l.c.,  PI.  XIX,  Fig.  2),  and  Dumeril  and 
Bibron,  and  Fiirbringer.  These  authors  represent  the  scapular 
arch  as  being  closely  similar  to  that  of  Ophisaurus.  The  pelvic 
arch  differs  in  the  slightly  greater  development  of  the  hind 
limb,  which  besides  being  minute  has  a still  more  minute 
tibia. 

Dopasia  gracilis  Gray.  PI.  XIII,  Fig.  5.  From  the  Him- 
alayas. Not  previously  studied.  Scapular  and  pelvic  arches 
present,  no  limbs. 

Scapular  arch.  Interclavicle  wanting  ; clavicles  present,  osse- 
ous, meeting  medially.  Scapula  cartilaginous  ; coracoid  osseous. 
A large  coracoid  cartilage,  which  is  continued  proximally  into 
the  short  and  narrow  procoracoid  cartilage.  Sternum  without 
rib  connections,  of  a transversely  crescentic  form,  the  con- 
vexity anterior,  with  some  ossific  deposit  at  the  middle,  on  each 
side  of  the  median  line. 

Pelvic  arch.  The  three  elements  fused  into  a single  piece,  of 
which  the  ilium  forms  a slender  proximal  part,  and  the  distal 
elements  an  oval  plate,  concave  anteriorly,  and  convex  poste- 
riorly ; the  whole  entirely  lateral  in  position,  and  having  a 
general  resemblance  to  the  corresponding  parts  of  Ophisaurus. 
Ilium  short,  its  proximal  extremity  in  contact  with  a very  robust 
diapophysis  of  a single  vertebra. 

Observations.  The  absence  of  the  interclavicle  justifies  the 
retention  of  the  genus  Dopasia  Gray,  as  distinct  from  Ophi- 
saurus. I have  examined  two  skeletons  of  the  D.  gracilis,  and 
a half  dozen  of  those  of  O.  ventralis. 


230 


COPE. 


[Vol.  VII. 


Anguis  fragilis  Linn.  PL  XIII,  Fig.  6.  Described  by 
Heusinger,  l.c.}  PI.  Ill,  Fig.  9;  Muller,  l.c. ; and  imperfectly 
figured  by  Dumeril  and  Bibron,  l.c.,  VII,  Figs.  6 and  10.  It  is 
well  described  and  figured  by  Furbringer,  l.c.,  pp.  14,  42;  PI.  I, 
Fig.  9;  PI.  Ill,  Figs.  37,  38.  Europe. 

Scapular  and  pelvic  arches  present ; no  limbs. 

Scapular  arch.  Interclavicle  wanting  ; other  elements  present. 
Sternum  roughly  transverse  diamond-shaped,  with  the  posterior 
border  slightly  convex.  No  costal  connections.  Ossification 
slight.  Clavicles  osseous,  slender,  directed  forward  medially, 
and  not  quite  meeting  on  the  median  line.  Scapula  cartilagi- 
nous, coracoid  osseous.  A large  coracoid  cartilage,  which  slightly 
overlaps  that  of  the  other  side  anteriorly,  and  is  recurved  at  the 
anterior  apex,  to  continue  as  the  slender  procoracoid  cartilage. 

Pelvic  arch.  Three  elements  fused  into  one,  as  in  the  pre- 
ceding genera,  the  distal  elements  forming  a suboval  plate ; the 
ilium  a short,  curved  rod,  articulating  proximally  with  a single 
robust  diapophysis  of  a single  vertebra.  The  whole  structure 
is  entirely  lateral. 

Observations.  Dumeril  and  Bibron  commit  an  error  in  their 
figure  of  the  pelvis  of  the  Anguis  fragilis,  in  representing 
the  pelvic  elements  as  meeting  on  the  middle  line  below,  which 
is  far  from  being  the  case.  Fiirbringer’s  figures  are  much  more 
accurate. 

Comparison  of  Djploglossa.  The  degeneracy  in  this  series 
is  tolerably  consistent  in  the  order  of  its  progress.  In  none 
of  the  genera  are  fore  limbs  present,  and  in  three  of  them 
hind  limbs  are  present.  Notwithstanding  the  universal  absence 
of  fore  limbs,  a scapular  arch  is  always  present.  This  region 
shows,  however,  successive  stages  of  degeneracy,  as  follows  : 
In  the  three  genera  without  posterior  limbs,  the  sternum  has 
costal  articulations  ; in  the  other  three,  none.  In  the  genera 
with  costal  articulations,  the  number  of  the  latter  diminishes 
regularly : in  Mancus,  three  ; in  Opheodes,  two ; in  Pygopus,  one. 
Of  the  three  genera  with  costal  articulations,  the  interclavicle  is 
present  in  two ; in  one  (Pygopus)  it  is  wanting.  In  the  other 
genera  it  is  present  in  a much  modified  form  and  position  in 
one  genus  (Ophisaurus).  Clavicles  and  coracoids  are  osseous 
in  all  of  them ; but  the  procoracoid  is  osseous  in  only  two 
genera  (Opheodes  and  Pygopus) ; while  in  the  third  genus  with 


No.  2.] 


SCAPULAR  AND  PELVIC  ARCHES. 


23 


costal  articulations  (Mancus),  it  is  cartilaginous,  as  in  the  genera 
without  costals.  The  genera  with  costal  articulations  are  also 
the  only  ones  with  osseous  scapula.  So  we  observe  a certain 
order  in  the  loss  of  parts.  Thus,  the  part  to  disappear  first  is 
the  interclavicle  (to  reappear  in  Ophisaurus) ; second,  costal 
articulations  and  osseous  scapula ; third,  sternum,  which  di- 
minishes in  size  until  greatly  reduced  as  in  Anguis  and  Dopasia. 

As  regards  the  pelvic  arch,  reduction  of  its  elements  precedes 
the  loss  of  limbs.  Thus,  Mancus  is  the  only  genus  where  the 
pubis  and  ischium  meet  (or  in  the  ischium,  are  connected  by  an 
osseous  hypogastroid)  on  the  middle  line.  In  Opheodes,  where 
the  posterior  limbs  are  much  as  in  Mancus,  these  elements  are 
separated  below  the  pubes  widely.  In  Pygopus,  where  the 
limbs  are  better  developed  than  in  either,  the  inferior  pelvic 
elements  are  rudimental  and  widely  separated,  being  merely 
processes  of  the  ilium.  In  the  genera  without  limbs  (Ophi- 
saurus with  a minute  rudiment),  this  reduction  is  carried  still 
further,  the  inferior  elements  not  being  distinguished  from 
each  other  or  from  the  ilium,  the  entire  arch  having  a lateral 
position.  Muller  remarks  of  these  parts  in  Pseudopus,  Ophi- 
saurus, and  Anguis,  that  they  are  “zwar  sehr  ahnlich.”  The 
order  of  degeneracy,  then,  in  the  pelvic  appendages  in  the  Dip- 
loglossa,  is,  first,  reduction  of  inferior  pieces ; second,  loss  of 
limbs  ; third,  fusion  of  all  the  elements  into  a single  lateral 
bone. 


LEPTOGLOSSA. 

Teim:. 

Propus  vermiformis  Cope.  PI.  XIII,  Fig.  10.  From  the 
Upper  Amazon  in  Equador.  Not  previously  examined. 

Scapular  and  pelvic  arches  present ; anterior  limbs  only,  and 
these  minute. 

Scapular  arch.  All  the  elements  present,  but  the  sternum 
represented  by  a narrow  longitudinal  cartilage,  and  the  inter- 
clavicle without  lateral  processes.  Clavicle  osseous,  distally  sim- 
ple ; suprascapula  cartilaginous  ; scapula  and  coracoid,  osseous. 
Coracoid  deeply  twice  emarginate,  the  emarginations  occu- 
pied by  the  coracoid  cartilage.  Sternum  with  two  costal  artic- 
ulations. Fore  limbs  consisting  of  humerus  and  rudimental 
ulnoradius. 


232 


COPE. 


[VOL.  VII. 


Pelvic  arch.  This  consists  of  a simple  slender  costiform 
bone,  directed  downwards  and  forwards  from  the  diapophysis 
of  a single  vertebra.  It  is  homologous  wholly  or  in  part  with 
the  ilium. 

Scincim:. 

Dr.  Boulenger  remarks  as  to  this  family : “ I have  met  with 
great  difficulty  in  arranging  the  genera  of  this  family.  The 
majority  of  the  characters  hitherto  employed  for  the  distinction 
of  genera,  such  as  the  degree  of  development  of  the  limbs,  the 
presence  or  absence  of  a transparent  disk  in  the  lower  eyelid, 
the  presence  or  absence  of  keels  or  scales,  etc.,  are  in  many 
cases  not  even  of  specific  value.  I have  therefore  used  certain 
characters  which  hitherto  have  been  neglected,  but  which,  I am 
convinced,  afford  a firmer  basis  for  a natural  arrangement.  The 
artificial  nature  of  an  arrangement  based  on  the  degree  of  the 
development  of  the  limbs  has  been  pointed  out  by  others.  In 
a family  like  the  Scincoids,  in  which  the  limbs  are  undergoing 
a process  of  abortion,  this  character  must  be  abandoned  as  one 
expressing  relationship  by  itself.  And  I trust  that  the  arrange- 
ment of  the  species  in  one  or  more  series  within  a genus, 
passing  from  forms  with  well-developed  pentadactyle  limbs  and 
lacertiform  physiognomy  to  such  as  have  rudimentary  limbs,  or 
even  none  at  all,  marks  a great  improvement  upon  the  artificial 
classifications  in  use  down  to  the  present  day.” 

I am  not  prepared  to  admit  that  the  above  remarks  of  Dr. 
Boulenger  have  more  than  an  application  to  the  cases  when  the 
development  of  the  limbs  and  digits  is  irregular  in  the  same 
species.  This  has  not  been  shown  to  be  the  case  more  fre- 
quently than  we  expect  to  find  in  all  other  zoological  characters, 
and  particularly  in  those  which  we  call  generic.  It  is,  indeed, 
precisely  the  grades  of  characters  expressed  by  the  last  struc- 
tural modifications  of  parts  that  the  generic  nomenclature  is 
created  to  record.  So  long  as  the  characters  are  constant,  then, 
it  is  necessary  to  designate  them  by  generic  terms,  and  I have 
therefore  adopted  in  the  following  synopsis  of  genera  those 
which  have  been  proposed  by  my  predecessors  for  the  various 
degrees  of  development  of  the  limbs  and  toes.  In  doing  so, 
however,  I have  adopted  the  primary  divisions  proposed  by  Dr. 
Boulenger,  as  it  is  clear  that  they  have  a higher  value  than 
those  based  on  the  number  of  digits,  etc. 


No.  2.] 


SCAPULAR  AND  PELVIC  ARCHES. 


233 


Synopsis  of  Genera. 


I.  Nostril  pierced  in  the  nasal,  or  between  the  nasal  and  supra-  or  post- 
nasal or  first  upper  labial,  not  touching  the  rostral. 

A.  Palatine  bones  separated  on  the  median  line  of  the  palate;  no  supra- 
nasal  shields. 

No  azygos  occipital  shield ; Egernia  Gray. 

An  azygos  occipital  shield  in  contact  with  the  interparietal ; tail  prehensile ; 

Corucia  Gray. 

AA.  Palatine  bones  in  contact  on  the  median  line  of  the  palate. 

1.  Tympanum,  if  distinct,  more  or  less  deeply  sunk. 

a.  Pterygoid  bones  separated  on  the  median  line  of  the  palate,  the  palatal 
notch  extending  anteriorly  to  an  imaginary  line  connecting  the  centre  of  the 
eyes. 

a.  No  supranasals. 

Lateral  teeth  with  obtuse  or  spheroidal  crowns ; an  azygos  occipital  in  con- 
tact with  the  interparietal ; subdigital  lamellae  divided ; Trachysaurus  Gray. 

Lateral  teeth  with  obtuse  or  spheroidal  crowns ; subdigital  lamellae  undi- 
vided ; Tiliqua  Gray. 

An  enormous  crushing  tooth  on  each  side  of  each  jaw ; 

Hemisphceriodon  Ptrs. 


1 3 . Supranasals  present. 

Lateral  teeth  with  compressed,  denticulated  crowns ; a series  of  suborbital 
shields ; Macroscincus  Bocage. 

Lateral  teeth  conical ; two  frontoparietals  ; Mabuia  Fitz. 

Lateral  teeth  conical ; one  frontoparietal ; Monophyaspis  Cope. 

b.  Pterygoids  in  contact  (at  least  quite  anteriorly)  mesially,  the  palatal  notch 
not  extending  anteriorly  to  between  the  centre  of  the  eyes. 

* Eyelids  movable ; digits  with  non-retractile  claws, 
t Supranasal  plates  present  (tympanum  not  concealed) . 

X Lower  eyelid  with  a transparent  disk. 

§ Frontoparietal  single. 


Digits  5-5  ; 
Digits  5-4; 
Digits  4-4 ; 

Digits  5-5  ; 
Digits  2-3 ; 


Digits  5-5  ; 
Digits  5-5  ; 


Two  frontoparietals. 


Lower  eyelid  scaly. 
§ Frontoparietal  single. 

§§  Two  frontoparietals. 


Emoa  Gray. 
Hagria  Gray. 
Chiamela  Gray. 

Riopa  Gray. 
Eumecia  Bocage. 


Monophorus  Cope. 
Lepidothyris  Cope. 


ft  Supranasal  plates  wanting. 

X Lower  eyelid  with  a transparent  disc. 
||  Tympanum  not  concealed. 

§ Frontoparietal  plate  single. 


234 


COPE . 


[Vol.  VII. 


Digits  5-5  ; 

Mocoa  Gray. 

Digits  4-5 ; 

Heteropus  D.  & B. 

Digits  1-2 ; 

Brachystopus  D.  & B. 

Digits  i-i  ; 

Oncopus  Cope. 

Digits  0-2 ; 

Ollochirus  Cope. 

Digits  o— i ; 

Soridia  Gray. 

§§  Frontoparietal  plate  double. 

Digits  5-5 ; 

Liolepisma  D.  & B. 

Digits  3-3 ; 

Tridentulus  Cope. 

Digits  1-2 ; 

Furcillus  Cope. 

HI]  Tympanic  meatus  closed. 

§ Frontoparietal  single. 

Digits  5-5 ; 

Haploscincus  Cope. 

§§  Frontoparietals  distinct. 

Digits  4-4 ; 

Tetradactylus  Merr. 

Digits  3-3 ; 

Hemiergis  Wagl. 

Digits  2-2 ; 

Chelotneles  D.  & B. 

tt  Lower  eyelid  scaly. 

||  Tympanic  meatus  not  closed. 

§ Frontoparietal  single. 

Digits  5-5  ; 

Lygosoma  Gray. 

§§  Frontoparietals  two. 

Digits  5-5 ; 

Homolepida  Gray. 

HU  Tympanic  meatus  closed. 

§ Frontoparietal  single. 

Digits  5-5 ; 

Cophoscincus  Pet. 

Digits  3-1 ; 

Anomalopus  D.  & B. 

§§  Frontoparietals  distinct. 

Digits  5-5 ; 

Nannoscincus  Giinth. 

Digits  3-3  5 

Siaphus  Gray. 

Digits  2-2 ; 

Dimer  opus  Cope. 

Digits  i-i  ; 

Coloscincus  Pet. 

Digits  o-o ; 

Opheoscincus  Pet. 

** 

Eyelids  immovable,  transparent,  covering  the  eye. 

f Supranasals  present.  Two  frontoparietals  ; ear  exposed. 

Digits  5-5  ; 

Panaspis  Cope. 

ff  No  supranasals. 

||  Two  frontoparietals  (ear  not  closed) . 

Digits  5-5 ; 

Ablepharus  Fitz. 

Digits  4-4  5 

Miculia  Gray. 

Digits  3-3 ; 

Phaneropis  Fischer. 

Digits  2-3 ; 

Lerista  Gray. 

1111  One  frontoparietal. 

§ Ear  exposed. 

Digits  5-5 ; 

Cryptoblepharus  Wiegm. 

Digits  4-5 ; 

Menetia  Gray. 

Digits  4-4 ; 

Blepharactisis  Hallow. 

§§  Ear  concealed. 


No.  2.] 


SCAPULAR  AND  PELVIC  ARCHES. 


235 


Digits  5-5  ; 


BUpharosteres  Stolicz. 


***  Eyelids  movable ; claws  retractile  into  a sheath. 

Digits  4-5  ; Ristella  Gray. 

2.  Tympanum  exposed  and  superficial. 

Head  normal.  Tropidophorus  D.  & 15. 

Head  a bony  casque,  well  separated  from  the  neck ; Tribolonotus  D.  & B. 
AAA.  Palatine  bones  separated  on  the  median  line ; supranasal  shields 
present. 

Nostril  pierced  in  the  nasal ; pterygoid  bones  toothed ; limbs  pentadactyle, 
the  digits  not  denticulated  laterally ; Eumeces  Wiegm. 

Nostril  pierced  in  a very  small  nasal,  between  the  rostral,  the  first  labial, 
the  supranasal,  and  sometimes  a postnasal ; palate  toothless ; digits  5-5 ; 
limbs  short ; Senira  Gray. 

Like  Senira,  but  limbs  rudimentary,  undivided;  Brachymeles  D.  & B. 

Nostril  pierced  between  an  upper  and  a lower  nasal ; limbs  pentadactyle, 
the  digits  denticulated  laterally  ; Scincus  Laur. 

Nostril  pierced  between  the  nasal  and  supranasal ; digits  4-3  ; 

Zygnopsis  Blfd. 

Like  Zygnopsis,  but  digits  3-3  ; Sphenoscincus  Pet. 

Like  Zygnopsis,  but  digits  3-2  ; Hemipodium  Steind. 

Like  Zygnopsis,  but  limbs  absent ; Opheomorus  D.  & B. 

II.  Nostril  pierced  in  the  posterior  border  of  the  rostral,  or  between  a nasal 
or  a labial  and  the  rostral. 

A.  Palatine  bones  in  contact  on  the  median  line. 

Nostril  pierced  between  the  rostral  and  a very  small  nasal,  which  may  be 
reduced  to  a narrow  ring. 

Digits  5-5  ; frontoparietal  distinct ; 

Digits  5-5  ; no  frontoparietals  or  prefrontals  ; 

Digits  3-3 ; 

No  fore  limbs  ; hind  limbs  didactyle  ; 

No  fore  limbs  ; hind  limbs  undivided ; 

No  limbs  externally ; 

A. A.  Palatine  bones  separated  on  the  median  line. 

1.  Supranasals  present;  first  upper  labial  not  touching  the  nostril. 

* Nostril  pierced  between  the  rostral  and  a very  small  nasal  in  an  emargina- 
tion  of  the  former  shield. 
a.  Labial  border  rounded. 

Digits  5-5 ; 

Digits  4-4 ; 

Digits  3-4 ; 

Digits  2-4 ; 

Digits  3-3 ; 

Digits  2-3 ; 

Digits  1-1  (limbs  undivided)  ; 

aa.  Labial  border  projecting ; acute. 

Digits  5-5  — 4-4;  Sphanops  Wagl. 

**  Nostril  pierced  between  the  rostral  and  a very  small  nasal,  which  is  situated 
between  the  former  shield  and  the  first  labial. 


Thy r us  Gray. 
Amphiglossus  D.  & B. 
Sepomorphus  Pet. 

Scelotes  Fitz. 
Podoclonium  Cope. 
Herpetosaura  Pet. 


Gongylus  Wagl. 
Gongyloseps  Boettg. 
Allodactylus  Lataste. 
Anisoterma  Dum. 
Chalcides  Laur. 
Heteromeles  D.  & B. 
Dicloniscus  Cope. 


236 


COPE. 


[Vol.  VII. 


No  limbs ; Herpetoseps  Blgr. 

2.  Supranasals  present ; first  upper  labial  entering  the  nostril. 

* Nostril  pierced  between  the  rostral,  the  supranasal,  the  postnasal,  and  the 
first  labial ; no  frontoparietals. 

Digits  5-5  ; Mesomycterus  Cope. 

Digits  4-4 ; Rhinos cincus  Peters. 

Digits  3-3  ; Sepsina  Bocage. 

No  fore  limbs  ; hind  limbs  undivided ; Dutnerilia  Bocage. 

**  Nostril  pierced  between  the  rostral,  the  supranasal,  and  the  first  labial ; 
frontoparietals  present. 

Limbs  absent ; Sepophis  Bedd. 

3.  No  supranasals ; nostril  entirely  in  the  rostral. 

Digits  4-4 ; Chalcidoseps  Blgr. 

Chalcides  lineatus  Leuckart.  PI.  XIII,  Fig.  8.  Not  pre- 
viously examined,  but  the  closely  allied  C.  tridactylus  is  described 
and  figured  by  Furbringer. 1 

Scapular  and  pelvic  arches  present.  Limbs  of  both  pairs 
present,  very  short,  with  digits  3-3. 

Scapular  arch.  All  the  elements  present,  and  presenting  the 
true  characters  of  the  Leptoglossa ; viz.  clavicles  distally  dilated 
and  perforate,  and  interclavicle  cruciform.  The  scapula  and 
coracoid  are  fused  and  osseous.  The  coracoid  cartilage  en- 
closes a coracoid  foramen,  and  coraco-procoracoid  foramen  with 
the  cartilaginous  procoracoid.  Suprascapula  large,  cartilaginous. 
Sternum  well  developed,  with  cartilaginous  borders,  no  foramen, 
and  four  costal  articulations. 

Pelvic  arch.  All  the  elements  present,  but  slender ; the 
inferior  arches  directed  anteriorly  ; the  pubes  in  contact  distally. 
The  ischia  are  separated  by  a narrow  membrane,  which  extends 
forward  to  the  pubic  symphysis.  The  ilium  stands  nearly 
vertical,  its  inferior  portion  articulating  with  the  distally  fused 
extremities  of  the  diapophyses  of  two  vertebrae.  Except  in  the 
slenderness  of  its  parts,  the  pelvis  is  like  that  of  Scincidae  with 
well  developed  limbs. 

Furbringer  represents  only  three  sterno-costal  articulations  in 
the  C.  tridactylus. 


AcontiidjE. 

Evesia  monodactyla  Gray.  PI.  XIII,  Fig.  9.  From 
Ceylon.  Not  previously  examined. 

1 Loc.  cit .,  PI.  I,  Fig.  3;  PI.  Ill,  Figs.  26-7. 


No.  2.] 


SCAPULAR  AND  PELVIC  ARCHES. 


2 37 


Scapular  and  pelvic  arches  present.  Anterior  and  posterior 
limbs  present,  external,  very  rudimental,  and  undivided. 

Scapular  arch.  All  the  elements  present.  Sternum  cartilagi- 
nous, with  two  costals ; clavicles  osseous,  proximally  simple. 
Interclavicle  a simple,  longitudinal,  bony  splint.  Scapula  and 
coracoid  distinct ; only  ossified  on  their  posterior  borders.  Cora- 
coid and  procoracoid  cartilages  not  distinct,  nor  enclosing  any 
fontanelles.  Anterior  limb  consisting  of  a humerus  with  a 
minute  cubital  segment. 

Pelvic  arch.  Elements  present  subequal ; the  inferior  directed 
forwards,  meeting  on  the  middle  line,  without  longitudinal  con- 
nection. Ilium  directed  slightly  forwards  and  upwards,  and 
articulating  by  its  proximal  extremity  with  the  fused  distal 
extremities  of  the  diapophyses  of  two  vertebrae.  Posterior 
limb  exactly  like  the  anterior ; i.e.  consisting  of  a proximal 
element  (femur)  and  a distal  rudimental  segment. 

Fiirbringer,  l.c.,  describes  and  figures  the  shoulder  and  pelvic 
girdles  of  Acontias  meleagris  and  A.  plumb eus.  The  shoulder 
girdles  consist  of  simple  elements  supposed  to  represent  scapulae, 
fused  or  not  on  the  middle  line,  the  median  portion  of  which,  in 
the  A.  plumb  eus , it  is  suggested,  may  be  clavicles.  The  pelvic 
girdles  consist,  in  both  species,  of  a simple  element  on  each 
side,  consisting  of  ilium  (joined  to  vertebrae)  and  supposed 
pubis.  My  examination  of  Evesia  shows  the  impropriety  of 
combining  that  genus  with  Acontias,  as  has  been  done  by 
Boulenger. 

Anelytropsid,e. 

Anelytropsis  papillosus  Cope.  PI.  XIII,  Fig.  n.  From 
Eastern  Mexico.  Not  previously  examined. 

No  scapular  arch ; pelvic  arch  rudimental ; no  external  limbs. 

Pelvic  arch.  This  is  represented  by  two  elements,  — a proxi- 
mal and  a distal.  The  former  is  directed  downwards  and  for- 
wards. Its  proximal  extremity  is  articulated  with  a single 
simple  diapophysis,  from  which  it  extends  a short  distance 
posteriorly  in  a horizontal  direction  as  far  as  the  posterior 
extremity  of  the  centrum  of  the  same  vertebra.  From  the  inner 
side  of  its  distal  extremity  there  extends  posteriorly  a simple 
rod-like  bone,  to  a point  in  line  with  the  anterior  margin  of  the 
vent.  Its  length  is  about  equal  to  that  of  the  superior  element. 


238 


COPE. 


[Vol.  VII. 


The  superior  element  is  ilium,  but  the  inferior  does  not  appear 
to  be  either  pubis  or  ischium.  Its  position  and  direction  are 
not  inconsistent  with  its  identification  with  the  femur  ; but  as  it 
occurs  in  snakes,  which  have  a rudimental  femur,  it  cannot  be 
that  bone. 

Observations.  The  inferior  element  in  the  pelvis  in  this  genus 
is  the  same  as  that  which  I described  as  occurring  in  the  African 
form  of  this  family,  Feylinia  ( Anelytrops  Hallow.),  but  the  latter 
differs  in  the  absence  of  the  rib-like  ilium.  It  is  interesting  to 
notice  the  resemblance  between  these  genera,  which  are  so 
widely  removed  geographically.  Feylinia,  however,  differs 
further  from  Anelytropsis  in  the  presence  of  a pair  of  clavicles 
(loc.  cit.). 

Feylinia  currorii  Gray.  Described  by  me  (Proceed.  Acad., 
Phila.,  1864,  p.  230). 

Scapular  arch.  This  consists  of  a pair  of  osseous  clavicles 
which  nearly  meet  on  the  median  line.  The  anterior  ribs  to 


Fig.  1.  Sternal  region  in  Feylinia  currorii  Gray.  From  West  Africa.  Cl,  clavi- 
cles; RR,  ribs.  Fig.  2.  Pelvic  element  and  adjacent  part  of  vertebral  column. 
S,  sacrum;  Pv,  pelvic  element. 

the  number  of  seven  pairs  meet  on  the  median  line  by  their  car- 
tilaginous haemapophyses,  which  are  directed  forwards  at  an  acute 
angle,  the  angle  of  the  anterior  pair  intervening  between  the 
clavicles. 

Pelvic  arch.  This  consists  of  a single  element  lying  on  each 
side  of  the  vent  antero-posteriorly,  perhaps  homologous  with 
the  corresponding  element  in  the  Annulati.  It  is  in  contact 
with  the  distal  extremities  of  three  ribs,  and  is  connected  by 


No.  2.] 


SCAPULAR  AND  PELVIC  ARCHES. 


239 


ligament  with  a third  anterior  to  them.  These  are  the  last 
ribs,  and  they  are  followed  by  a pair  of  sacral  vertebrae  whose 
diapophyses  are  united  distally. 

Remarks.  This  pelvic  element  is  probably  the  iliopectineal 
element  of  Fiirbringer.  The  pelvis  differs  from  that  of  Anely- 
tropsis  {anted)  in  the  absence  of  iliac  element. 

Comparison  of  the  Leptoglossa.  In  Chalcides  we  have 
nearly  normal  scapular  and  pelvic  arches,  while  the  limbs  are 
very  much  reduced,  though  not  to  be  termed  rudimental.  In 
the  next  stage  of  reduction,  where  all  the  limbs  are  present,  but 
rudimental,  the  two  arches  show  a considerable  degradation, 
which  is  more  marked  in  the  scapular  than  in  the  pelvic.  The 
pelvic  elements  remain  much  as  in  Chalcides,  but  reduced  in 
size  merely.  In  the  scapular  arch,  the  sternum  loses  two 
costals,  and  the  interclavicle  loses  the  transverse  processes. 
The  clavicles  become  simple,  and  the  ossification  of  the  scapula 
and  coracoid  is  reduced  in  extent.  In  Propus,  where  the  fore 
limbs  are  much  as  in  Evesia,  while  the  hind  limbs  have  disap- 
peared, the  scapular  arch  has  many  points  in  common  with 
Evesia.  Thus,  the  clavicle  and  interclavicle  are  simple,  and  the 
sternum  has  only  two  costals.  The  scapular  and  clavicle  are 
much  better  ossified.  On  the  other  hand,  the  pelvic  arch  dis- 
plays a great  reduction.  In  Anelytropsis,  appropriately  to  the 
absence  of  fore  limbs,  there  is  no  scapular  arch.  The  pelvic 
arch  is  greatly  reduced  ; but,  curiously,  there  appears  an  element 
which  resembles  a corresponding  element  in  the  snakes.  This 
arrangement  is  quite  different  from  anything  observed  in  the 
other  Leptoglossa  or  in  the  Diploglossa,  but  is  not  without 
parallel  in  other  Lacertilia,  to  be  described  later  on. 

The  reduction  of  the  scapular  elements  proceeds  in  the  Lep- 
toglossa on  much  the  same  lines  as  observed  in  the  Diploglossa. 
The  early  simplification  of  the  distal  end  of  the  clavicle  is  pecul- 
iar to  the  Leptoglossa,  as  it  is  always  simple  in  the  Diploglossa. 
The  late  stages  of  reduction  of  the  sternum  seen  in  the  limbless 
Diploglossa  are  not  exhibited  by  any  of  the  forms  here  described, 
although  they  probably  exist,  since  we  have  the  Anelytropsis, 
where  the  scapular  arch  is  wanting.  On  the  other  hand,  the 
extreme  reduction  of  the  pelvis  seen  in  Propus,  where  the  ilium 
only  remains,  has  not  been  yet  observed  in  the  Diploglossa 
without  posterior  limbs  (Figs.  4,  5,  6). 


240 


COPE. 


[Vol.  VII. 


ANNIELLOIDEA. 

Anniellim:. 

Anniella  pulchra  Gray.  PI.  XIII,  Fig.  7.  From  Southern 
California.  Not  previously  examined. 

Scapular  arch  wanting ; pelvic  arch  rudimental ; no  limbs. 
The  pelvic  arch  is  represented  by  a small  and  short  rod-like 
bone,  which  is  attached  to  the  extremity  of  the  diapophysis  of 
a single  vertebra.  The  proximal  extremity  is  directed  back- 
wards for  a short  distance  posterior  to  the  point  of  suspension, 
as  in  Anelytropsis.  No  traces  of  inferior  elements  or  of  poste- 
rior limb.  This  is  the  most  rudimental  ilium  yet  encountered. 

ANNULATE 

ChIROTIDjE. 

Chirotes  canaliculatus  Bonnat.  PI.  XIII,  Fig.  12.  Lower 
California.  Described  and  figured  by  Muller,  l.c.y  PI.  XXI, 
Figs.  11,  12  ; and  by  Dumeril  and  Bibron,  Erpttologie  Gtnerale, 
Atlas,  PI.  VII,  Figs.  1,  2 ; both  with  omission  of  pelvic  arch. 

Scapular  and  pelvic  arch  present ; fore  limbs,  but  no  hind 
limbs. 

Scapular  arch.  For  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  scapular 
reduction,  we  find  the  clavicle  absent.  No  interclavicle  nor 
procoracoid.  Supraclavicle  osseous.  Clavicle  and  coracoid 
osseous,  coossified  ; no  coracoid  cartilage.  Sternum  without 
costals,  osseous,  pentagonal,  and  with  a long  xiphoid  process. 
Ulna  and  radius  well  distinguished.  Pelvic  arch  an  elongate 
element  on  each  side,  directed  downwards  and  a little  forwards, 
principally  ilium,  but  with  a short  free  distal  extremity  which 
represents  one  or  both  of  the  inferior  elements.  A short  curved 
cartilage  represents  the  femur.  The  ilium  is  connected  by  a 
cartilage  with  the  extremity  of  a single  diapophysis  ; and  a short 
free  segment  corresponding  to  this  cartilage  articulates  with  the 
vertebra  which  follows. 

Observations.  Muller  gu.  an  excellent  figure  of  the  scapu- 
lar arch  of  this  species,  but  he  says  that  the  clavicle  and  scapula 
are  fused  into  a single  piece.  This  is  probably  an  error,  as  there 


No.  2.] 


SCAPULAR  AND  PELVIC  ARCHES. 


241 


is  apparently  no  clavicle,  as  may  be  seen  by  comparing  the 
figures  given  in  the  present  paper.  Neither  Muller  nor  Dum^ril 
and  Bibron  detected  the  rudimental  pelvic  arch.  This  appears 
to  have  been  for  the  reason  that  they  studied  only  a dried 
skeleton  preserved  in  the  Museum  of  Paris,  from  which  this 
part  had  been  lost  by  the  preparateur. 

AmphisbjENIm:. 

AMPHiSBiENA  Occident alis  Cope.  PI.  XIII,  Fig.  1 3.  Wes- 
tern Peru.  Not  previously  described. 

No  scapular  arch  nor  limbs  ; a rudimental  pelvic  arch.  Pel- 
vic arch.  This  consists,  in  this  species,  of  a slender  bone  in  the 
abdominal  wall,  a little  in  front  of  the  vent  on  each  side,  which 
is  directed  forwards  and  inwards,  but  without  meeting  its  mate 
on  the  middle  line.  It  has  no  articular  connection  with  any 
other  element.  In  Amphisbcena  alba  this  element  is  similar,  but 
is  relatively  shorter  and  more  as  figured  by  Fiirbringer  in  the  A. 
fuliginosa.  This  species  has  also,  according  to  Fiirbringer,  a 
very  rudimental  scapula. 

Rhineura  floridana  Baird.  PI.  XIII,  Fig.  14.  Florida. 
Not  previously  examined. 

No  scapular  arch  nor  limbs  ; rudiments  of  a pelvic  arch. 
Pelvic  arch.  This  consists,  as  in  the  species  of  Amphisbaena,  of 
a single,  simple,  bony  rod  on  each  side  of  the  vent.  It  is  more 
longitudinal  in  position  than  the  corresponding  element  in  Am- 
phisbaena. It  resembles  somewhat  the  corresponding  parts  (fig- 
ured by  Fiirbringer)  in  the  Lepidosternum  microcephalum. 

Observations  on  Annulate  The  wide  diversity  between 
the  pelvic  structure  in  Chirotes,  as  compared  with  that  of  Am- 
phisbaena, emphasizes  the  evidence  furnished  by  the  scapular 
arch,  in  favor  of  regarding  it  as  representing  a family  distinct 
from  the  Amphisbaenidae.  Even  with  the  pelvic  elements  of 
Chirotes  before  us,  it  is  difficult  to  be  sure  of  the  homology  of 
the  corresponding  part  in  Amphisbaena  and  Rhineura.  It  can 
only  be  one  of  the  two  inferior  elements,  or  femur.  Against  the 
latter  supposition,  which  is  suggested  by  the  structure  of  the 
Anelytropsidae,  its  anterior  position  is  strong  evidence.  For 
the  reason  that  it  approximates  closely  the  vent,  its  claim  to  be 
ischium  is  rather  stronger  than  the  supposition  that  it  can  be 


242 


COPE. 


pubis.  It  is  homologized  by  Fiirbringer  with  the  iliopectineal 
bone  of  the  snakes. 


GENERAL  CONCLUSIONS. 

One  conclusion  is  obvious,  and  this  is,  that  degeneracy  of  the 
scapular  and  pelvic  arches  follows  degeneracy  and  loss  of  limbs, 
sooner  or  later.  More  special  conclusions  may  be  expressed  as 
follows  : — 

I.  Anterior  limbs  have  disappeared  more  generally  than  the 
posterior  in  the  Diploglossa. 

II.  The  limbs  incline  to  degenerate  and  disappear  more 
nearly  pari  passu  in  the  Scincidae. 

III.  The  anterior  limbs  have  a tendency  to  persist  longer  in 
the  Teidae  and  Amphisbaenidae.  Future  research  may  not  sus- 
tain this  proposition. 

IV.  The  degeneracy  in  the  scapular  arch  is  delayed  long 
after  the  degeneracy  and  loss  of  the  anterior  limbs. 

V.  Degeneracy  of  the  pelvic  arch  precedes  the  loss  of  the 
pelvic  limb. 

VI.  The  order  of  degeneracy  of  the  elements  of  the  scapular 
arch  is  : (i)  limb  ; (2)  interclavicle  (generally) ; (3)  costal  attach- 
ment ; (4)  sternum. 

VII.  The  order  of  disappearance  of  parts  in  the  pelvis  is  : (1) 
pubis  and  ischium  together  (generally ; cf.  Amphisbaena) ; (2) 
limb  ; (3)  ilium. 


244 


COPE . 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE. 


For  the  specimens  represented  in  the  figures  I am  indebted  as  follows : to  the 
United  States  National  Museum  for  Pygopus  lepidopus , Ckalcides  line  at  us,  and 
Chirotes  canaliculatus  ; to  the  Philadelphia  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  for  Man- 
cus  macrolepis , Feylinia  currorii , and  Evesia  monodactyla.  The  remaining  nine 
species  are  from  my  private  collection. 


Plate  XIII. 

Fig.  i.  Mattcus  macrolepis  Cope.  From  Natal.  x 2. 

Fig.  2.  Opheodes  striatus  Spix.  From  Brazil.  Figs,  a,  b,  and  c,  X 2.  Fig.  d, 
X 3.  Fig.  a,  scapular  arch  from  below.  Fig.  b,  pelvic  arch  and  adjacent  vertebrae 
from  the  side.  Fig.  c,  pelvic  arch  from  below.  Fig.  d,  posterior  limb. 

Fig.  3.  Pygopus  lepidopus  Lacep.  From  Australia,  x 2. 

Fig.  4.  Ophisaurus  ventralis  L.  From  Texas.  X 2. 

Fig.  5.  Dopasia  gracilis  Gray.  From  N.  India.  X 2. 

Fig.  6.  Anguis  fragilis  L.  From  Lago  Maggiore,  Italy.  X 2. 

Fig.  7.  Anniella  pulchra  Gray.  From  San  Diego,  California.  X 3. 

Fig.  8.  Ckalcides  lineatus  Leuck.  From  Morocco.  X 2. 

Fig.  9.  Evesia  monodactyla  Gray.  From  Ceylon.  X 3. 

Fig.  10.  Propus  vermiformis  Cope.  From  Amazonian  Equador.  X 3. 

Fig.  11.  Anelytropsis  papillosus  Cope.  From  Jalapa,  Mexico.  X 3. 

Fig.  12.  Chirotes  canaliculatus  Bonnat.  From  La  Paz,  Lower  California.  X 3. 
Fig.  13.  Amphisbcena  occidentalis  Cope.  From  Jequetepeque,  Peru.  X2. 

Fig.  14.  Rhineura  Jloridana  Baird.  From  Florida.  X 2. 


Lettering. 

Cl,  Clavicle.  Id,  Interclavicle.  SSc,  Suprascapula.  Sc,  Scapula.  Co,  Coracoid. 
PCo,  Procoracoid.  St,  Sternum.  Xi,  Xiphisternum.  II,  Ilium.  Pb,  Pubis.  Is, 
Ischium.  Fe,  Femur.  T,  Tibia.  Fi,  Fibula.  Eg,  Epigastroid.  Hg,  Hypogastroid. 


Wt  lIBMfjy 
OF  THE 

university  of  ILLIHOIS 


Journal  of  Morphology  Vol.  VII. 


Copt  del 


DIPLOCLOSSA 


PL  XIII 


Leptoglossa  Annielloidea  Amphisbaenia. 


